Not in some once in a lifetime miraculous event,
But in a thousand little miracles just as real.
Not in some spell binding message written across the sky
But in a still small voice within my heart And in Her finger paintings on
the canvas of my life.

I saw The Goddess today

In the hug a father gave his child, In the smiles exchanged between friends,
And in the bird that landed at my feeder.
I saw The Goddess in the man who stopped to help his neighbor, In the
recovery of a patient at the hospital, And in the sight of a newborn baby in
his mother’s arms.

I saw The Goddess today

In the face of a teenager member as she sang the words to her favorite song,
In the embrace of friends as we did a healing in the magickal circle.
I heard The Goddess in the 101 questions of my little girl, And I felt Her
in the 1001 pieces of a broken dream.
I saw The Goddess in the strength and energy of a young man, And in the
confidence and hope of an elderly shut-in.
I saw The Goddess in the darkness of the night When I could see nothing or
no one else, And I saw Her in the brightness of the dawn, Her gift to me,
not so much in the big things that happen once in a while But in the little
things that happen all the time,

Too often, gardeners look at shade as a problem rather than an asset. This
happens often in herbalism because many well-known plants come from the
Mediterranean and grow in full sunlight. However, many herbs thrive in lower
light conditions, and some need protection from fierce sun, particularly in
hot climates.

Also, most yard and garden spaces have a mix of different light
availability. My two-acre yard runs the complete spectrum from sunny meadows
to dappled lawn under trees to a few corners that are quite dark. A small
yard may have a sunny patch, but almost always has sections overshadowed by
the house or some trees. When you want to grow herbs, you work with the
space you have and plant a diversity of species accordingly.

All shady gardens are not created equal. The density and duration of light
vs. darkness influence what kinds of plants can grow in a given place. The
amount of available water also plays a vital role: damp or wet shade is much
more hospitable than dry shade. Sometimes you can modify the type of shade
to make it a little darker by erecting an arbor, or a little brighter
through replacing a brick wall with a lattice fence. Use the guide below to
help determine what kind of light conditions you have available.

Full Sun—For comparison, this space receives direct sunlight for at least
six hours a day, usually including the brilliant midday sun. Unless the soil
is very heavy, it dries out fast after a rain. Plants that prefer full sun
tend to dwindle in the shade; plans that prefer shade often wilt in full
sun. Note that in heavily overcast climates, a garden right out in the open
may not get enough light to qualify for full sun! You may then do better
planting species that do well in partial or dappled shade.

Partial Shade—The area receives several hours of direct sun per day, and
shade at other times. For instance, a garden on the eastern side of a house
may get direct sun in the morning, but open or deep shade in the afternoon.
Other times, a garden may get morning and evening sun. If it lies under a
solitary tree, slanting light will reach the garden, but the canopy will
bock overhead rays. This is useful for plants that can’t tolerate the
intensity of noon sun, especially in hot or drought-prone environments.

Dappled Shade—This creates a pattern of equally mixed sun and shade, which
travels across the area over the course of the day. Fine-leaved trees such
as birch, honeylocust, or goldenrain create this type of shade under their
canopies.

Open Shade—Here we see fragmented direct sunlight, but bright indirect
light. Large trees with dense canopies, such as oak and maple, cast this
kind of shade when they are spaced some distance apart, as in parks and
yards. Their high branches block most of the direct light, but allow ambient
light to get underneath, reflected from the ground or other nearby objects.
A garden near a wall or building may also be in open shade. If not watered,
open shade gardens are often a bit dry.

Deep Shade—This space receives little or no direct sunlight, and has
moderate ambient light. The understory of a forest typically falls into this
category; the light is absorbed by successive layers of foliage so that only
an occasional sunbeam reaches the ground. Even in daylight it has a slightly
dusky tone. Woodland gardens tend to be moist. Certain wildflowers and herbs
belong to such habitats, and languish elsewhere. Few other plants do well
here. A walled garden, or the space near a building with an overhang, can
qualify as deep shade. These tend to be dry, and may need extra watering.

Full Shade—The area receives no direct sunlight and little ambient light. It
always looks rather dark. Rock overhangs, wall corners and crevasses, decks
and boardwalks, canyon bottoms, and the undersides of dense trees such as
pines and spruces can all create this type of shade. If the ground stays
dry, little or nothing will grow there. But in wet areas, such as a hidden
spring or a water garden, a thriving colony of mosses, lichens, liverworts,
and ferns may emerge: a miniature enchanted forest that will grow nowhere
else.

Shade-Loving Herbs

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) can grow in full sun in cool climates, but
requires protection from summer sun in warmer climates. This statuesque
plant reaches up to five feet tall and prefers rich, moist, well-drained
soil. It makes an ideal background for a woodland garden or shady border.
Candied, the stems make an excellent garnish for sweets.

Borage (Borago offinalis) prefers partial shade, growing about eighteen
inches high. It has large oval leaves covered in hairs, and star-shaped blue
flowers. Candy the flowers for a garnish or dry them for use in herbal
crafts. The leaves are rich in potassium and calcium.

Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordata, ‘Chameleon’), also known as ‘Hot Tuna,’
thrives in shady, wet areas. In fact, it will grow in water, at pond edges.
However, some of mine have run rampant along the partly shady and rather dry
eastern wall of hour house,a nd from there spread to the openly shady and
considerably dryer northern wall. This herb has a hot, spicy flavor. Its
heart-shaped leaves are a dramatic blend of green, yellow, cream, and hot
pink.

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) prefers cool, partial, or dappled shade,
especially in summer or hot climates. It does better in spring or fall
plantings, and needs rich, moist soil. Chervil reaches up to twenty inches
in height. Its ferny leaves are rich in carotene, iron, and magnesium; use
them in salads.

Comfrey (Symphtum officinalis) thrives in shade but tolerates some sun, so
dappled, partial, or open shade all work. Large hairy leaves rise eighteen
inches from a central crown, and blue bell-shaped flowers appear on taller
stalks.

Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) is among the most delicate varieties of
mint. Its tiny, low-growing leaves exude a sweet and creamy mint odor. It
needs dappled to dense shade, and rich, moist soil. If protected from more
aggressive plants, it spreads to make a nice ground cover, especially in a
woodland garden or around a water garden.

Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) likes partial shade, grows well in borders
and containers, and makes an excellent ground cover. This herb reaches three
to six inches tall, but will trail farther down if planted in a hanging
basket or by the edge of a wall. In coking, the tiny leaves go well with
robust meats such as beef, pork, and lamb.

Ferns (Matteucia struthiopteris, lady fern Ahyrium filixfemina, Pteridum
acquilinum, etc.) come in many varieties, which all require considerable
shade. Do not expose ferns to more than dappled sunlight. Some species live
in full shade, such as wet cave mouths. Amphibians love to seek shelter
under fern leaves.

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) tolerates partial, dappled, or open shade in
cool areas, but this forest plant really prefers the deep shade and moist,
rich soil of its understory home. Oblong leaves form a low rosette
surmounted by a dramatic flower spike reaching three to six feet high.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) needs rich, moist soil and open or deep shade.
Indirect sunlight is okay. It does well in woodland gardens, but also in
containers.

Jupiter’s Beard (Centranthus rubber) grows in partial or dappled shade.
Bushy clumps of lance-shaped leaves reach up to three feet and produce
clusters of tiny pinkish to red flowers.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) tolerates partial, dappled, or open shade.
It grows well in borders and containers, reaching three feet in height. Its
leaves complement fish and chicken, and make a delicious tangy tea. Use them
fresh or frozen, as the oils dissipate when dried.

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) prefers dappled or open shade. It
grows well under trees, in borders, and in pots. Magically, it promotes
peace, harmony, and love.

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) grows in partial, dappled, or open shade,
towering up to six feet tall. Plant in backgrounds or along walls; water
thoroughly to encourage deep root development. Its celery-like flavor makes
lovage popular in soups an stocks. In bath water, the leaves are deodorizing
and antiseptic.

Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) prefers partial shade. It needs a light,
deeps soil. The leaves first grow upright to about a foot high, then spread
out to lie flat on the ground.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) grows well in moist, shady sites, so it’s a
good choice for a woodland garden. The bushy plant reaches three to four
feet tall; this is a nice choice as a middle planting in front of foxglove
or angelica.

Peppermint (Mentha spp.) likes partial shade and rich, moist, well-drained
soil. It reaches up to two feet high. Grow in pots to prevent spreading, or
allow to ramble as a tall ground cover. It goes well with lamb, fruit, and
chocolate. Peppermint makes excellent jelly and the leaves can be candied
for garnishes.

Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) requires protection from intense midday and
afternoon sun, making it ideal for partially shady gardens with an eastern
exposure. It also needs more water than most sage varieties. This herb has a
pineapple scent and its bright-red flowers attract hummingbirds.

Roman chamomile (Chamaemilum nobile) needs protection from midday sun; grow
it in partial or dappled shade. It makes an excellent ground cover, growing
only four to twelve inches high. Its feathery leaves and daisy-like flowers
cheer up a shady garden. Chamomile tea soothes digestion, relaxes the
nerves, and brings sleep. It also makes a brightening rinse for blond hair.

Salad burnet (Poterium sanguisorba) can tolerate full sun in spring or fall,
but tends to suffer sunburn in summer. Protect it from harsh afternoon sun.
This herb grows well under deciduous trees or in containers. It can reach up
to eighteen inches high, but is best harvested at about four inches because
the leaves get bitter with age. Its nutty, cucumber flavor makes it popular
in sandwiches, salads, and herbal vinegars.

Sweet woodruff (Gallium odoratum) enjoys dappled to deep shade, and a
variety of soil conditions. The leaves form rosettes along the stems, and
tiny white flowers appear at the stem ends. It often appears as a ground
cover in woodland gardens. Sweet woodruff is the crucial ingredient in May
Wine.

Violet (Viola pedata) enjoys partial to deep shade. Mine grow all over the
yard in a variety of conditions. The heart-shaped leaves reach two to five
inches high. The flowers may be candied as a garnish, or used to make floral
water, perfume, or potpourri.

Designing a Shady Garden
Shady gardens perform best when planned primarily around the amount of light
available in a given location, as that has the strongest influence on what
types of plants will thrive. However, you can usually work in a secondary
theme, such as the intended use of the plants or their attraction for other
creatures.

One popular choice is the woodland garden, which thrives in op to deep shade
under trees. A small woodland garden could include angelica, comfrey,
foxglove, ginger, lily of the valley, patchouli, sweet woodruff, and violet.
A larger woodland garden might add a darker grotto with ferns and moss
around a tiny pool. These secluded gardens and their plants attract shy
creatures like frogs and snakes.

Another common feature is the shady border, which runs alongside a building
or fence. Typically in partial shade, this allows a wide choice of plants
that need just a little protection from the sun. Plant taller ones at the
back, shorter ones in front. Good choices include chervil, creeping thyme,
lemon balm, peppermint, salad burnet, and wild bergamot. This is ideal as a
kitchen garden for tea, salad, and seasoning.

Many yards have a spot between the trees that gets a mix of sun and shade,
direct and dappled light. This is a lovely place for flowers that attract
hummingbirds and butterflies, a way of brightening up the shadows. Plant
such flora as borage, chameleon plant, Jupiter’s beard, pineapple sage, and
Roman chamomile. Add a gazing ball, birdbath, or white statue to draw the
eye.

Shady gardens illustrate two important magical principles on a very
practical level. First, they balance light and darkness, thriving in a place
of moderation rather than extremes. Second, they make use of the available
resources, reminding us to cherish what we have and make the best of it.
Shade-loving herbs allow us to grow a garden even if we don’t have a bright,
sunny lawn. Shady places allow us to grow herbs that can’t survive hot sun.
They give us a serene refuge from the harsh light of day. Find a place to
create such a garden where you live, and you, too, can discover the joys of
shadowplay.